Grey Matters
December 2024
Table of Contents
vGSW Scenarios Live
Some Title Updates
vGSW Mobile Access
The Goddess Pele
December 2024 Astrological Forecast
GSW Yule Crossword
vGSW Scenarios Now Live
By Headmaster Kingsley
Well met, Wizards one and all,
As always We hope that the day finds you in good health and high spirits!
The Grey School of Wizardry is thrilled to announce that sign-ups are now open for the Wizard’s Keep Scenario!
Step into the virtual halls of the Wizard’s Keep and put your skills to the test in this immersive challenge. Investigate lingering disturbances, utilize specialized tools, and apply your knowledge!
Available Time Slots:
Mondays at 8:00 AM EST
Fridays at 7:00 PM EST
Please note: Spaces are limited, so don’t delay, secure your spot today!
Why Scenarios? Why vGSW?
At The Grey School of Wizardry, we are proud to have a two decade legacy of leading the way in innovative, academically rigorous esoteric education. With the introduction of immersive scenarios to our virtual campus on Second Life, we are equipping our pupils and teachers with the tools to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. These methods prepare pupils for real-world challenges, reflecting the best practices of modern education.
Scenario-based learning has long been recognized as an essential training tool in many trades and fields such as emergency management, healthcare, and aviation to name a few. FEMA, for example, trains responders using scenarios to prepare for disaster relief, medical schools utilize simulated patients to teach procedural skills, and aviation programs rely on flight simulators to ensure pilot readiness. By adopting similar approaches, The Grey School of Wizardry seeks to offer the same level of preparation, building confidence and adaptability essential for success.
Through our virtual campus we provide a dynamic platform for these scenarios to take place. Realistic locations such as the Wizard’s Keep immerse pupils in detailed environments where they can investigate, practice, and refine their skills. This approach emphasizes active engagement and personal responsibility, hallmarks of the GSW education. By thoughtfully crafting tools and environments we support a learning experience that is both challenging and rewarding.
We understand that innovation in education can sometimes be met with skepticism. That’s why we’ve grounded our scenario-based learning in proven methods. Research demonstrates that simulation-based education significantly enhances competencies and fosters long-term retention of knowledge.
For example, a review published in BMC Medical Education showed Scenario based learning improved student skills, while a meta-analysis of active learning strategies revealed reduced failure rates and increased performance by nearly half a standard deviation. These findings underscore the value of our approach with this program, which aligns with practices employed by respected organizations and academic institutions worldwide.
Through scenarios and the virtual campus at large, pupils gain useful experience in realistic, challenging settings. They develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and other qualities that cannot be cultivated through our more traditional methods alone. Our commitment as teachers at GSW is to prepare every pupil not only to succeed in their studies but to excel in their broader endeavors to the best of our ability, and these Scenarios will help us do just that.
Looking ahead, we envision scenarios one day becoming an integral part of The Grey School’s curriculum. As we continue to develop and refine this approach, our goal is to create scenarios for each department where applicable, even covering diverse subjects such as disaster response and readiness. These scenarios will prepare our wizards to step forward as leaders in any situation, combining their knowledge, skills, and adaptability to make a meaningful impact in the communities they have chosen to serve.
For further reading on the effectiveness of simulation-based learning, consider exploring these resources:
We wish those undertaking this exciting challenge the best of luck and look forward to seeing you on vGSW!
Wizardly Regards,
Headmaster Kingsley ᛞ
Some Title Updates: Master of Pupils and Master of Studies
By Headmaster Kingsley Greetings, Wizards one and all, As always I hope that the day finds you in good health and High Spirits.
I am pleased to announce a refinement in the titles of two of our key administrative roles. Moving forward, the Dean of Students will now be known as the Master of Pupils, AKA MoP (currently held by Master Kayser), and the Dean of Curriculum will now be known as the Master of Studies, AKA MoS (currently held by Master Meighen). This change reflects our commitment to creating a more defined and cohesive structure within GSW and acknowledges the school-wide responsibilities of these roles.
Why the Change?
As administrative roles overseeing the entire school, the titles “Master of Pupils” and “Master of Studies” better convey the nature of these positions as unique, institution-wide leaders. While “Dean” will continue to be used for those who lead our individual departments, the new titles signal that Masters Kayser and Meighen have broader oversight beyond any single academic area. The distinction emphasizes their roles in supporting all apprentices and academic offerings across GSW.
What to Expect Moving Forward
Pupils: Please address Master Kayser and Master Meighen by their new titles in all formal and respectful interactions, referring to them as Master Kayser and Master Meighen.
Department Leadership: The heads of each department will continue to hold the title of “Dean,” signifying their focused expertise within their respective fields of study. This approach preserves the academic hierarchy and provides clear distinctions among our leadership roles.
I believe this structure will bring some added clarity to the structure of power at GSW, making it easier for pupils, faculty, and community members alike to understand the roles and responsibilities of our leaders here at the school. Thank you for your attention to this change and If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out via DM or in the comments below this post.
Wizardly Regards,
Headmaster Kingsley ᛞ
vGSW Mobile Access
By Headmaster Kinglsey
Well met, Wizards one and all,
As always, I hope this message finds everyone in good health and high spirits!
Today, I’m thrilled to share an exciting development that expands the reach and accessibility of our virtual campus, vGSW: the beta version of the Second Life Mobile app is now available to the general public!
If you’ve ever wished to explore Second Life on the go—whether to attend a vGSW event, join a lesson, or simply connect with your peers—you can now do so from your phone or tablet. The mobile app brings the world of Second Life to your fingertips, offering a seamless way to stay engaged with our virtual environment no matter where you are. If you’re eager to try it out, head over to https://secondlife.com/mobile to download the app and start exploring!
Even better, you can explore vGSW for FREE today by visiting us at:
Here at the Grey School, vGSW has been an invaluable tool for enriching the learning experience for over a decade. Virtual environments like ours allow pupils to immerse themselves in interactive scenarios, participate in events, and connect with our community in ways that transcend the limitations of physical and online-only spaces. With the launch of the mobile app, this experience is now more accessible than ever, providing even greater opportunities to blend the flexibility of remote learning with the dynamic engagement of a virtual campus.
We encourage everyone to explore this exciting new way to access Second Life and vGSW. Whether you’re joining us for the first time or deepening your connection to our virtual community, this is a wonderful step forward for esoteric education in the digital age!
Wizardly Regards,
Headmaster Nicholas Kingsley ᛞ
The Goddess Pele
By Prefect Abbie
The spirit I chose is [to research] the goddess Pele. I chose this goddess because I just came back from Hawaii and she was the predominant goddess there. The “mother of volcanoes.” She is the goddess of the goddess of fire, lightning, wind, dance and volcanoes. Pele is one of 13 siblings.
Pele is known for her fiery temperament. One story says that Pele, born Honua-Mea in Tahiti, was sent away by her father because of her difficult temper and the fact that she seduced one of her sister’s husbands. Pele found her way to the Hawaiian islands and there are many legends surrounding her countless lovers, infidelities and feuds and heated outbursts.
Another story states that Pele and her brothers traveled on a canoe to the Hawaii Islands. There she was attacked by her sister and was left for dead. She escaped to the other islands where she dug fire pits, creating many of the craters and volcanoes in Hawaii. Upon realizing that her sister survived, the two engaged in heavy battle. Her sister tore her apart and Pele became a god. She dug her final fire pit in Halemaumau Crater at the summit of Kilauea. She is believed to still reside there.
Another story states that she was married to the god of water for a short time. She angrily chased her husband, creating rivers of lava into the Pacific Ocean. This symbolizes the violent and explosive experience of a hydrovolcanic eruption. The frequent eruptions on the Hawaii islands is a reminder that Pele is still there to this day.
There have been sightings or visions of Pele. In these visions, she is either a very tall, beautiful young woman or an unattractive and frail elderly woman usually accompanies by a white dog. Pele takes this form of an elderly beggar woman to test people asking for a drink. If they are generous they are blessed, if they are not they are punished.
Visiting Hawaii, I heard about Pele’s Curse. She inflicts this curse on people who take lava rocks from the island. This curse stays until the rocks are returned to the Island. There are many people, who have experienced bad luck, have shipped the rocks back to the island, begging the Hawaiians to return the rocks where they were found. The fact that Pele is attributed for forming the volcanoes and the curse have kept Pele’s power going throughout time.
References
Roberts Hawaii. The Legend Behind Hawaii’s Goddess of Fire. https://www.robertshawaii.com/blog/legend-behind-hawaiis-goddess-fire/
December 2024 Astrological Forecast By Grey Matters Staff Hear those sleigh bells jingling—December is shaping up to be an action-packed month brimming with astrological and holiday cheer. With a jam-packed schedule ahead, the zodiac is set to revel in the heightened social energy that defines this festive season.
Beyond the usual holiday magic, the sun’s presence in Sagittarius—a sign synonymous with boundless optimism and a taste for the finer things in life—adds an extra sparkle to the season.
Sagittarius vibes get an assist from Venus, the planet of love and pleasure, as it enters free-spirited Aquarius on December 7. This cosmic shift promises to keep the good times rolling throughout the month. While it’s not all carefree abandon, Page assures that the stars are aligning to encourage meaningful moments with friends and an embrace of the present.
Mark your calendars for some key astrological highlights this December. The month kicks off with a new moon in fiery Sagittarius on the 1st, sparking a sense of adventure to set the tone. Relief comes on December 13, as Mercury retrograde wraps up, smoothing out communication snafus, travel delays, and decision-making mishaps. Then, on December 21, Capricorn season—and winter—officially begins. The shift from Sagittarius’s adventurous, live-for-the-moment energy to Capricorn’s structured, goal-oriented vibe might feel abrupt, but Page emphasizes that both are essential for balance.
By December 30, a sense of practicality takes center stage as the new moon in Capricorn ushers in a grounding energy. This is the perfect moment for all signs to reflect on the past year and plan for what’s ahead. With cosmic forces inspiring goal-setting and forward-thinking, this isn’t just about ringing in the new year—it’s about starting 2025 with purpose and intention.
So, as you deck the halls, know that the stars are rooting for you to savor the season and set the stage for an exciting year to come.
GSW Yule Season Crossword By Grey Matters Staff
Complete this month's crossword online at https://crosswordlabs.com/view/gsw-yule-season-crossword
Or download a PDF:
